Friendsville Newsletter
September 2023
May 2024
Mayor & Town Council News
Exciting Opportunity!
Do you want to learn how to grow traditional warm season vegetables so that you can be more self-sufficient? Now is your chance to be a part of a demonstration vegetable garden site at a garden area at Friendsville Town Hall. University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners will be leading this project to work hands-on with 5-8 people/families that want to experience all aspects of home gardening. Learn and observe different techniques for weed control, insect management, and how to utilize small spaces for maximum vegetable production. All items needed for the garden will be provided and produce will be divided among participants. For more information or to sign-up, please call or email Ashley at 301-334-6960/abachtel@umd.edu. Must sign-up by May 15th.
Arbor Day Festivities
Friendsville Elementary's fifth-grade students teamed up with the Town of Friendsville tree committee to plant two Snow Fountain cherry trees at the Town Hall, honoring the memory of Julia Sines and Alice Spear, beloved former council members. This heartwarming gesture was part of our Arbor Day festivities! But that's not all!
Our talented students also participated in a tree poster contest, showcasing their artistic skills. We can't wait to see their posters! Winners will be announced at the end-of-year school awards event.
Thank you for your creativity and dedication!
EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE!
Vote In-Person on Primary Election Day
Election day polling places will be open from 7 am until 8 pm on May 14, 2024. Election day voting will be held at your assigned polling place.
The Garrett County Board of Elections is responsible for maintaining voter registration and overseeing the conduct of all State and Federal Elections held in Garrett County.
Riverside Community Park
Our Community Park is esteemed within the local community, with dedicated efforts to maintain its pristine condition. It serves as an excellent setting for hosting picnics of varying sizes, providing a relaxing environment for an hour, two hours, or an entire day.
Explore this superb outdoor rental venue for a range of events, including picnics, weddings, reunions, family gatherings, as well as club and organization events.
Access the Park Fact Sheet for rental rates and a map.
Update Email or Sign Up - Newsletter
To update your email or to sign up for the newsletter, please fill out the digital form at https://forms.gle/p5ZyiNmbPE5YPqPd8.
The form will only take a few minutes to complete and will ensure that you are added to our mailing list. Don't miss out on all the exciting things happening in Friendsville! By subscribing to our newsletter, you'll be the first to know about town events, community news, and more. Thank you for your interest in staying connected with the Town of Friendsville!
Upcoming Events & Happenings
Friendsville VFRD
Special BINGO Fundraiser
Join us MAY 11TH for a SPECIAL BINGO fundraiser for Garrett Neighbors! Doors open at 1pm and games start at 2pm!
Friendsville Days
Save the Date: August 16-18th 2024
The 43rd Annual Friendsville Days will be held Friday, August 16th through Sunday August 18th, 2024.
Please be sure to purchase raffle tickets for our monthly themed baskets through our Facebook page or website (https://friendsville-days-committee.square.site/)
Your support helps to make Friendsville Days fun and free for the whole community.
Friendsville Elementary School
Pre-K and K Application Notice
Attention parents! GCPS Pre-K and Kindergarten applications for 2024-25 school year open February 12, 2024, 8:00 a.m.* Give your child the gift of education and apply today. Our programs build a strong foundation of academic and social skills, and our dedicated educators create a safe and engaging learning environment. Apply now and join us in building a brighter future for your child
2023-2024 School Calendar
Garrett County Public Schools
Building Strong Partnerships: Fostering Education and Collaboration Among Garrett County Schools, Families, and Communities.
Friendsville Elementary School
We invite you to explore the school website, where you can access a wealth of information and resources designed to keep you informed about your child's education and our school community.
Community Watch
Congratulations Ashlynn Arnold!
She will be receiving a $30 gift card and her poster will be displayed in local businesses to help prevent the sales of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21. The Friendsville Community Watch wishes to thank everyone who participated in our contest and judging!
📢 Join Us for Exciting Events in Friendsville!
👀 Stay Updated: Keep an eye on the Friendsville Community Watch Facebook Page for announcements about our upcoming meetings. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join us!
🍎 Mobile Food Market: Catch us at the Friendsville Mobile Food Market at the Library on May 8th from 2pm to 4pm. We'll be there to connect with the community and provide information on our initiatives.
🏥 Blood Pressure Check-Up: Mark your calendars! I'll be at the Friendsville Senior Center on May 13th from 10:30am to 12:30pm, offering complimentary blood pressure checks for all interested attendees.
drinking.
🚭 Quit Tobacco: Looking to kick the habit? Quit Now classes are available through the Garrett County Health Department. Take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle!
📅 Event Flyers: Check out our flyers for this month's events.
Let's come together to make a positive impact in our community! See you there!
Friend Family Association of America Museum & Genealogy Library
261 MAPLE STREET, FRIENDSVILLE, MD
OPEN EVERY FRIDAY FROM MAY 3 TO NOVEMBER 8, 2024
NOON TO 3:00 PM
TOURS & FAMILY HISTORY CONSULTS AVAILABLE
Friendsville School Groups Visit Friend Family Association of America Museum and Genealogy Library to Study Local History and Genealogy
Ina Claire Jenkins Hicks, Librarian and Historian, and local volunteers of the Friend Family Association of America recently hosted the 4th and 5th grade classes of Friendsville Elementary School for a tour.
The boys and girls viewed the many Native American artifacts that were on
display, and Miss Ina told them about the archeological dig of the Native American village on Water Street in Friendsville. They saw the model of the Town gazebo that was built by 5th grade students and their art teacher many years ago. This sparked a discussion of the Friendsville Marching Band and their old musical instruments that were on display.
The class learned about Leslie Friend, his department store, and the hydroelectric plant he built on the Youghiogheny River. This plant powered the gristmill and provided electric for the town. They saw the 19th century cornice board from the store that turned 135 this year. Students learned about early farming and the lumber and mining industries that were in Friendsville. They saw the many tools used by men at that time. Other items in the Museum included the large elk antlers, the foot pedal operated dental chair, Ina’s father’s leather barber chair, the old Church organ, toys enjoyed by children, and many other family heirlooms. The students were very engaged in learning about local history, as they observed details and participated in discussions about each display.
Upstairs in the Genealogy Library, Miss Ina told the students how the FFAA was started by Colonel Lester Friend with the purpose of collecting, recording, and preserving local family history. Students were able to study the many notebooks, files, and books holding the history of area families, e.g. Friend, Bittner, Custer, Coddington, Fike, Frazee, Sisler, Ward, and many others.
The boys and girls, having brought lists of their own family surnames, were eager to talk with Miss Ina and local volunteer, Beverly Railey Robinson, so they could record some of their own history. Many plan to return in the summer. The class expressed genuine appreciation for the tour and for Miss Ina’s sharing her knowledge of Friendsville and the families who settled there. They enjoyed seeing the “Miss Ina” doll, created by Ellen Brenders Cowgill, for Garrett County’s Women’s History Month.
The Board and Volunteers of the FFAA thank the Friendsville Elementary School Staff and Teachers for making this tour possible.
For additional information, contact Linda Nair at ronnair@comcast.net or Beverly Railey Robinson at bez4@aol.com
Senior Center
Our Senior Center is here to make your Mondays and Wednesdays more enjoyable.
Are you looking for a place to connect with wonderful people, enjoy delicious food, and engage in exciting activities? Look no further! .
✨ Here's what you can expect:
🍽️ Lunch Served at 12:00 p.m.: Indulge in a tasty meal and relish great company. Our delicious lunches are the perfect midday treat.
🎂 Birthday Celebrations: Join us on the 2nd Wednesdays of each month as we celebrate the birthdays of our amazing seniors. Cake, laughter, and good times are guaranteed!
🃏 Morning Card Games: Get your competitive spirit going with some card games in the morning. It's a fantastic way to exercise your mind and have fun.
🎉 Bingo After Lunch: After a scrumptious meal, try your luck at bingo. Exciting prizes await those with a winning card!
🎤 Special Speakers and Programs: On the last Wednesdays of every month, we host special speakers and programs that are both informative and entertaining. It's a great opportunity to learn something new.
🩺 GCHD Blood Pressure Checks: Your health matters to us. Join us on the third Wednesdays of each month for complimentary blood pressure checks by the GCHD. Stay on top of your health and well-being.
Come be a part of our vibrant and welcoming community at the Senior Center. Don't miss out on these wonderful activities and connections. See you on Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. We can't wait to see you there!
Starry Night Story Time ~ May 6, 2024
Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffie or blanket and join us for a special evening children's story time! Enjoy stories, songs, movement, and rhymes during this fun-filled evening. This program is geared towards ages 2-5, but younger and older children are welcome!
Maryland Food Bank ~ May 8, 2024
Join us for a convenient solution to your grocery needs with the Maryland Food Bank's MOBILE MARKET! We extend a warm invitation to everyone to partake in this opportunity to access nourishing food items and valuable resources. On these special days, we offer a selection of boxed dry goods and the freedom to choose your own fresh produce, all while supplies last. It's all completely free, both the food and the resources, as we aim to deliver hope and support to our neighbors in need. Don't miss out! Visit us on the second Wednesday of each month between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM at the Ruth Enlow Library of Friendsville, located at 315 Chestnut St, Friendsville, MD 21531. Let us make your day brighter with our one-stop-shop for your essential needs.
Power Protectors ~ 4-H STEM Challenge Solar Bugs May 14, 2024
Energy Island is in danger of becoming unplugged forever! Now it's in the hands of the next generation — The Power Protectors — to save it!
Youth will learn about renewable energy and apply this knowledge to analyze and assess their own energy use. They’ll design a Solar Bug using their imagination and critical thinking skills to protect the island from for being unplugged
LEGO Club - May 28, 2024
Calling all LEGO lovers! Join the LEGO Club at the Friendsville Library. We will meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:00pm. Join us for some free-building fun based on an awesome new theme each month! Your creative build will even be displayed in the library for others to enjoy! Lego and Duplo blocks will be provided. LEGO Club is designed for children ages 4 and up
All branches closed - Memorial Day 2024
Friendsville is Garrett County’s oldest settlement established in 1763. It is a hub for Adventure, Nature and History. Friendsville is enjoying new energy with a vibrant outdoor lifestyle centered around its riverside location with a restaurant/pub, pharmacy, liquor store, healing oil boutique and more. Come for a day of water sports or a gentle walk along the river followed by a stroll through town or a family picnic in the park. You’ll want to stay for a lifetime.